What chords have been used and what do you notice about the use of harmony? Are there any key changes? Is there a chord progression? Rhythm What instruments have been used? What is the texture of the song? What kind of timbral characteristics can you hear? What production techniques have been used? What layers are there? LyricsĪctive listening definition: What are the lyrics saying? In what way do they fit the music? Are any lyrics repeated? What makes the hook catchy? What is the structure of the song like? Does it appear to follow a popular structure, such as AABA or ABABCB? Does the mood of the song change? Harmony There are key questions that you should be able to answer after active listening. Once you have found yourself a good room and have become mentally prepared to begin active listening, then you can start to employ some of the following methods.Īctive listening definition top tip: the first time you actively listen, choose a song that you enjoy listening to, or one that you struggle to get out of your head! This way, you will learn everything you can from a piece of music that you admire. Right, now that we have got the basics out of the way, let’s take a deeper look into the techniques. You should also use the best sound quality that you can get your hands on, files such as FLAC or WAV are good for active listening. This could mean a dripping tap, your next door neighbor shouting, your dog barking – you name it. The room that you have chosen should also not have outside noises interrupting your listening flow. It is a good idea to use noise cancelling or studio headphones if you own them, as they help to block out any unwanted sounds. We would also recommend closing your eyes, as this can help to focus your active listening skills. You should turn off any device that you aren’t using to listen with, such as your computer or phone, and you could even turn off the lights and shut the curtains. The first step in developing active listening skills is to find a quiet room, and by that we mean a room that has no distractions. Read on for the specifics in active listening definition techniques and exercises, but right now, let’s keep things really simple. After all, it is just as important as songwriting, mixing, or music theory.
So why is active listening important? Because in order to improve your producing techniques, you will need to actively listen. You can listen to what works and what doesn’t, and apply your new knowledge to your own craft.
This appreciation comes from a deeper understanding of the piece, as it becomes a lesson on music production. Active listening by definition brings you closer to the music, and gives you a whole new level of appreciation for it.
The more that you actively listen, the easier it will become.
#ACTIVE LISTENING SKILLS PLUS#
It is an important skill that music producers should have, plus once you have mastered it, it is a skill that will stay with you forever. Active listening by literal definition means that you are focused on just one task: listening. If you were passively listening to music, then you could be texting, reading, talking, essentially doing anything other than just listening. Active listening by definition means that all of your attention goes into listening, so that is all you are doing. So, what actually is the active listening definition? It’s simple, really.
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